Sunday, 31 August 2008

Emmerdale cast angered over crabs storyline

Soaps stars feel plot is tacky and inappropriate

Duncan Preston plays Douglas Potts, father of vicar's wife Laurel

Emmerdale stars are said to be upset with producers over a storyline that sees one of its older characters contract a sexually transmitted infection.

They believe the plot, which sees Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston, 62) catching crabs after a one-night stand, is another sign the soap is dumbing down.

‘This has to be the tackiest story of all time,’ says a source. ‘Duncan was horrified. His character has casual sex, ends up getting crabs and is seen scratching himself in the corner shop.’

‘How can this possibly be suitable for a 7pm audience? Duncan is a top actor and it's terrible that he has had to go through this crackpot charade.’

A few cast members are even said to be considering quitting over the row.

‘Some are so unhappy they are seriously thinking of throwing in the towel. It's not the happy place it used to be,’ the insider tells the Daily Mirror.

But the ITV1 soap has defended its decision to feature the topic. ‘It raises awareness of what can be an embarrassing infection and stresses the importance of seeking medical advice,’ says a spokesman.